FIELD NOTES.

Putaruru Press, Volume IV, Issue 137, 17 June 1926, Page 3

FIELD NOTES.

FOR MONTH OF JUNE. Caring for the Dairy Herds, (By J. W. Deem, Instructor of Agriculture, Wanganui). On the majority of farms the herd has been dried off and feeding out of roots, ensilage, and hay will be general. This is indeed the most important period of the year so far as the dairy cow is concerned. She should now be undergoing her annual overhaul and building herself up for next year's work. It is, therefore, necessary that she gets the very best of treatment now, even if she has to go a bit short 1 in the spring. Cows that are well cared for during the winter will stand a pinch in the spring when the days are getting a bit longer and warmer. On the other hand, if they are neglected in winter and allowed to get low in condition, no amount of spring feeding will make up for it. A cow down in conditions is unable to get the best out of the food she eats, her digestion is poor, and a great deal of tho food ■value passes through her. On the other hand, if she is in good fettle, she will extract every atom of good out of what she eats and, in consequence, will do better on half the rut ten that will be enten by an animal in poor condition. When this is fully understood, the farmer will realise that,, if there is to be a shortage, let it be in the spring rather than in the winter. This : applies particularly to the dairy cow and the ewe. If they are in good heart at calving or lambing time they will stand a lot after they have got over their parturition troubles. Early Start with Hoots.

On a great many farms roots are grown, but this year a start will have to be made on them earlier than usual and the farmer may have to do some thinking to get the best of them and make them hang out and' carry his stock until ‘ -the grass comes. Wherever this, is \ the case,, the roots should, as, far, as possible, be .pulled out, and fed out to the animals. For instance, the average coW running on a field of iswed&s will eat 'spoil from 80 to of root per day. She would mi a great, deal, healthier and. would do better on half this amount fed out' cn a clean paddock in conjunction with some clean hay. Where the heavy ration of roots is fed there is tremendous waste, the animal is not able to handle it, with the result that large Quantities pa'ss through it undigested and- the animal's system is unduly taxed. - The Pulling of-Mangolds. Where mangolds arc grown-, June is a good month to pull* ; thenr so that they will have., time to ripen before, they are required for feeding. This is from six weeks to two months or jnore according to the stage of growth when pulled,' and’ there is no question that lib. of ripe mangold has more- feeding value than 51b of unmatured. In fact the latter often docs more harm than good and, in a general way, the far-' meT that is • not (prepared to ripen his mangolds should not' grow them. Mangolds properly fed arc very good, improperly fed they are a continuous source of danger. The best practice is to pull or harrow out the hiarigold crop towards the end of June, cut or screw off the tops...and slack .the roots in clamps in a nice dry position, giving a light covering of hay or fern to keep out the frost. Failing this they should be topped and allowed to lie in the field, ' In districts teteere frosts' are severe there is some danger of the roots getting frost bitten'if the latter practice is followed, particularly during tho first few days after pulling. With :» mangold that has been, pulled a few days there is not much danger from ' frost. Pastures. Where there are accumulations of droppings, the pasture should be har- ! rowed from time to time to spread 1 them. Toj)-drcssing with slag and similar manures should be pushed along, especially near the coast where an early spring is expected. Manures to i use and quantities were dealt with in last month's notes. v- Ensilage. In many districts, farmers will now be feeding ensilage and where cows are not used to this fodder a start should be made with a small quantity, say 41b. to 61b. per cow per day. This may be increased to 301 b or 401 b. per day at the end of a week. The latter is the maximum quantity that is desirable to feed at this season of tho year. When starting to feed ensilage, care should be taken to see that all feed is cleared up from day to day. When opening a stack or pit, only a given area should be uncovered the aim being that the area will be such that at tyast six inches will be removed from the top each day. Ensilage deteriorates rapidlv and should not be exposed longer than necessary. Consequently it is better fed straight from the stack to the stock. General Jottings. ) Bcpairs of all sorts should be pushed i along, special attention be given to j concrete floors in shed or yards and similar work. The longer this class of j work is allowed to stand before being ' used the longer it will last. A good firm concrete floor in a shed is a boon, ! but one that, has been put into use too i soon and is continually breaking up and j is n source of grent worry. Rwamps, j pot holes and bad crossings should get ■ attention. If in bad condition in the 1 spring they are a trap for weak stock.